As someone said: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!
In the past 3+ years I have been treated very well at
You all read my adventures in my blog.
In recent months things started to go down hill. The treatments didn’t work too well as well as created other problems.
Last week I found myself at a very critical junction:
§ The conventional treatments did not work and there is no point to continue them
§ Clinical trials are out of question at this stage
§ The only possible solution is another stem cell transplant, this time from a donor, unlike last time which was from my own cells (and regretfully it failed).
This assessment was a result of a consultation with the medical team. After having so many theoretical options, the funnel was finally narrowing down: one course of action, the donor matching challenge, timing issues and new risks. A tight spot to be in.
It took me 24 hours to digest the not so good news and implications. But like last time, when I was diagnosed, I managed to re-collect myself and my spirit into the new plan. Not easy at all, but doable.
And so the race is on to find a donor!
There are some 15 Million people around the world registered as bone marrow and stem cell donors. Pretty small number for the whole world.
Most amazing is the fact that
My medical team will soon start to look at all the world databases for a match.
I was overwhelmed by your response so far. Many of you responded that you are already registered.
What’s the game plan?
First step, my medical team will prep me for the transplant.
This will take a couple of months (or more…). It involves sessions of 4-5 days session at the hospital with high dosage chemo. No picnic.
How can you help?
By registering to one of the Bone Marrow Registries you can increase my chances of finding a match. You all got by now the details how to do that. If not, please go online and look for the nearest hospital or organization that allows registering and test for bone marrow and stem cell donation.
There is an age limit (some 50, some 55 or 60).
In
http://www.scooper.co.il/pr/1012651/
While it says that it is a specific drive for a sick person, by registering you will be available to bone marrow and stem cells for all, including for me. Basically, the possibility to give life to someone in need.
The search includes the all databases around the world.
So this is it!
I know I am asking a lot and I will be OK with whatever you decide to do, for me and potentially for others whose life can be saved by a donor matching.
I am optimistic and hope that between all the Jewish, Polish, Russian, Moroccan and Colombian genes of our family, and your diverse genes, we will find a match!
Last Tuesday I was admitted for the first session – 5 days at BWH (a Hospital near DFCI in
As we speak I am getting 4 powerful chemos continuously 24 hours/day. The goal: aggressively bring down the bad MM cells and in parallel take care of the body with blood, platelets, and other infusions to allow the body to function.
If all goes well, they will time the stem cell transplant in such a way that I will get the stem cells from the donor when I am ready for that (my Myeloma is under control).
My secondary goal is to eat! I remember all too well the 3 months in 2009 in which I couldn’t eat anything and needed the special lines with IV foods and liquids. Not pretty or convenient.
So with Shoshi’s help we are improving the hospital’s food and getting me all the possible calories. Not that I have any appetite, but I have programmed myself not to miss any meal, so far!
Friends come to see me, which is nice. We even had our weekly Bridge game here which was fun.
To cheer me up, I am dressed with colorful shirts. Forget about the hospital gowns!
Today I had talked and Skyped with all the family around the world. As you can see in the photo below, I have decorated the room with a nice collage of photos that Inbal gave me last time plus the world map.
For all my Navy friends, see my T-shirt?
On Monday I will be discharged and in 3-4 weeks it will start all over again. I am ready!
Other updates since last time:
The house in
So for now we are home alone: Shoshi, myself and Shadow the cat!
We had more snow than ever before, which brought some challenges. In spite of the inconveniences, I still think it is very beautiful.
In between I am trying to work as much as possible and not miss any beat, thanks to the remote technologies. You know my motto: keeping busy is a very good medication.
I say to my colleagues: business as usual unless I say otherwise. I hope they listen.
To finish on a high note, I have some quotes from Churchill. I had a CD with a variety of important speeches of the 20th century and his are the most inspiring. Churchill’s optimism and determination in the darkest hours of
What is our policy? To wage war by land sea and air (try every possible treatment).
What is our aim? Victory! Victory at all cost, in spite of all terror (the tough chemos and risks).
Man will still say: This was their finest hour! (in the remission party).
Yours
Guy
